I didnt know the man, I didnt hang out with him after hours, go to family reunions, I only have what he chose to share in short blocks of time, with recordings & books, edited and proofread . All I have to answer Mr Scientists question with is an extremely filtered version of a man I do not know intimately. I can only suppose that because he had so much positive to offer that he was 'happy' but I think its a mistake to assume [anything]. He was just a man, alcohol consumption, extramarital affairs, etc...

Side note, I thought he died of Heart Failure? Did alcohol lead to heart failure, as I thought alcohol related deaths were usually liver disease/failure related?

Thanks Alder, that really put it into perspective. I suppose one, if he or she is going to take the reigns of their own life, must be willing, nay, must DEMAND to also take the reigns of their death as well.